13,995 School Buses Inspected Across Punjab Till September 2026; 3,621 Challaned and 31 Impounded Under Safe School Vehicle Policy
CM S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-Led Government Committed to Making Every School Journey Safe and Secure
Minister Directs Strict Compliance with Safety Norms; Appeals to School Managements, Vehicle Operators and Parents to Make Child Safety a Shared Responsibility
Chandigarh, November 2:
Every child has the right to travel to school safely. Reaffirming this commitment, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is giving top priority to the safety and well-being of school-going children. The Safe School Vehicle Policy is being implemented effectively across all districts of the State to ensure that every child enjoys a safe, secure and hassle-free journey to school and back home.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that District School Vehicle Checking Committees are conducting regular inspections of school buses to ensure strict compliance with all mandatory safety provisions prescribed under the Safe School Vehicle Policy. She said that the objective of this drive is to strengthen the school transportation system and prevent any negligence that may put the lives of children at risk.
Sharing the enforcement details, the Minister said that from the year 2025 till September 2026, a total of 13,995 school buses were inspected across Punjab under the Safe School Vehicle Policy. Out of these, 3,621 buses were challaned, while 31 buses were impounded for violating the prescribed safety norms. She said that these strict measures reflect the Punjab Government’s firm resolve to ensure that no compromise is made with children’s safety.
Giving the year-wise details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that during 2025, District School Vehicle Checking Committees inspected 8,325 school buses. During the inspections, 2,026 buses were challaned and 24 buses were impounded for failing to comply with the mandatory safety standards under the policy.
She further informed that during the special checking drive conducted from January to September 2026, a total of 5,670 school buses were inspected, out of which 1,595 buses were challaned and 7 buses were impounded for violation of safety guidelines.
The Minister said that the Punjab Government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation that endangers the lives of school children. She directed all Deputy Commissioners, District School Vehicle Checking Committees, concerned departments, school managements and vehicle operators to ensure strict implementation of every provision of the Safe School Vehicle Policy and take immediate corrective measures wherever deficiencies are found.
Appealing to school managements, school vehicle operators and parents, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that ensuring the safety of children is a collective responsibility. She urged school managements to operate only vehicles complying with the prescribed safety standards, vehicle operators to strictly follow all guidelines, and parents to remain vigilant and report any violation to the concerned authorities.
Reiterating the commitment of the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the State Government will continue to strengthen safety measures and enforcement mechanisms so that every child in Punjab reaches school safely and returns home safely every day.
